UK Gov Urged to Support Food Security in Dairy
UK - Dairy UK has published a detailed policy document on food security, urging government to take a more coherent and supportive role in backing productive agriculture in the UK."Food Security‟ sets out the policies required to ensure that UK consumers can continue to enjoy a sustainable supply of food that meets existing dietary preferences, at affordable prices.
Dairy UK Policy Director Peter Dawson explained: “In the dairy sector, food security means giving all parts of the dairy supply chain the tools and the environment necessary to run profitable and sustainable businesses.
"In practical terms, that requires urgent action from government. We are calling on ministers to express unequivocal support for the future of the dairy sector. We must have their full commitment.
"As milk production drops, policy and regulation needs to be much more carefully weighed for its impact on costs and efficiency in the dairy chain. This is true of policies as varied as promoting biofuels and implementing the Nitrates Directive.
"In England, Defra also needs to regain farmers‟ confidence in animal disease control measures. We believe that is only possible by giving the English livestock sector a credible voice in a new, independent body.
"Finally, the dairy sector needs government to drive initial research into new technologies that can boost productivity."
Dairy UK will forward the publication to Defra and the devolved administrations, as well as to key MPs and other stakeholders.
TheCattleSite News Desk